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Dhaka, May 25, 2025 – The National Board of Revenue (NBR) and its affiliated offices across the country are observing a full-scale work stoppage for the second consecutive day, demanding the immediate repeal of an ordinance, the removal of the NBR chairman, and two other key reforms.
The strike, organized under the banner of the NBR Reform Unity Council, began at 9:00 AM on Sunday, May 25, at the NBR headquarters in Dhaka.
Officers and employees from the income tax, customs, and VAT departments are participating in the work stoppage, though services related to customs houses, LC stations, exports, and international passenger services remain unaffected. The NBR Reform Unity Council has announced a press conference scheduled for 4:00 PM today to address the ongoing protest.
The council decided to continue the strike after the government failed to provide a clear commitment to meet their demands. If no new announcement is made, the work stoppage is set to extend to all income tax, customs, and VAT offices, excluding international passenger services, starting Monday, May 26.
On Saturday, during a peaceful sit-in at the NBR headquarters, the presence of a large number of law enforcement personnel, including police, BGB, RAB, and army members, sparked concerns among the protesters. The NBR Reform Unity Council expressed unease over their deployment, stating it raised questions and caused discomfort among the participants.
On May 22, the council submitted a memorandum to the chief adviser, outlining their four demands: the immediate repeal of the ordinance aimed at dissolving the NBR, the removal of the NBR chairman, the publication of the Revenue Reform Advisory Committee's recommendations on the NBR website for public feedback, and the establishment of a sustainable revenue system through stakeholder consultation.
In response, the Finance Ministry issued a statement on the same night, assuring that necessary amendments to the ordinance would be made after discussions with all stakeholders, including the advisory committee. The ministry urged NBR officials and employees to carry out their duties diligently. However, the NBR Reform Unity Council welcomed the ministry’s statement but remained firm on their demands, reiterating their stance in a counter-statement on May 22.
Speaking to Dhaka Post, several NBR Reform Unity Council officials emphasized their unwavering commitment to their demands. They noted that no announcement has been made regarding the repeal of the ordinance, the removal of the NBR chairman, or the establishment of the NBR as an independent and specialized revenue agency through reforms. The council stated that their protest actions have been gradual and considerate, with pauses to minimize public inconvenience. They expressed hope for a prompt resolution and a clear assurance from the government to meet their demands, vowing to continue their pre-announced programs until their goals are achieved.
The agitation began on May 13 with a sit-in at the NBR headquarters in Agargaon, followed by pen-down strikes on May 14, 15, 17, 18, and 19. After assurances of dialogue, the movement was briefly suspended on May 20, but new programs were announced starting May 21 due to a lack of progress.
AI/MR
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